Workstation Core i7 4960X Is The Fastest Processor?

A few days before the IDF, its annual event attended by the press and developers around its technologies, Intel unveils its new high-end processor, Core i7 4960X.

This launch comes just weeks after the advent of the micro-architecture Haswell we told you about recently through a folder which ended just a regret: inconsistent ranges of depth where middle / high-end processors have two generations ahead of their high-end counterparts. Failing to be designed around the architecture Haswell, Core i7 4960X has advanced the previous Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, when the Workstation Core i7 it replaces was based on Sandy Bridge. What performance expected from the Workstation Core i7? The answer in our case.

More Information About Workstation Core i7 4960X

Workstation Core i7 4960X : Change And Continuity

For its high-end platform, Intel has focused on a specific socket the now well-known socket LGA-2011, on an elitist chipset, the X79 derived from a set of business components originally designed for Xeon processors, and especially on processors whose architecture is seen decked out in the letter "E" for Extreme. So far we entitled to Sandy Bridge Extreme as the Workstation Core i7 3960X and Workstation Core i7 3970X for example. At the end of 2013, Intel renews its premium offering with the Workstation Core i7 4960X, this time based on the architecture Ivy Bridge-Extreme.


Without us back into the architectural details sometimes dark, we refer to this in our case the time Ivy Bridge, is best remembered Ivy Bridge enabled the founder to introduce a fine engraving with 22nm tri-gate transistors famous. For a high-end processor such as the Workstation Core i7 4960X it could be considered less heating, reduced power consumption, but also a higher overclocking potential. Recall that the Sandy Bridge-E, processors like the Workstation Core i7 3960X particular, for their part 32nm.

Beyond the fine engraving, Ivy Bridge architecture takes logically support SSE instructions 4.1/4.2, AVX and AES, and introduces a few new features in terms of sets of instructions, in particular we think of the random number generator, while Intel has not touched the lines: the number of execution cores, at least in the more advanced variant remains unchanged. And the Workstation Core i7 4960X has six cores x86 performance with HyperThreading technology, which allows it to work on 12 threads at once. It will be supported for that 15MB cache third level.

Workstation Core i7 4960X : PCI- Express, And Frequency Compatibility

Like its predecessor, Workstation Core i7 4960X incorporates a PCI-Express controller 40 lines , also supports PCI- Express 3.0 . Taking place in existing X79 motherboards with LGA2011 socket a , Workstation Core i7 4960X require a BIOS update to operate. A formality Asus Rampage IV Extreme on our which is perhaps not so obvious from other manufacturers . And Intel itself does not offer updated BIOS for your motherboard to support X79 processors Ivy Bridge Extreme straw!

The side of the memory controller, Intel still offers us a four channel controller, compatible with DDR3 and manage this sometimes DDR3-1866 officially. In fact, the theoretical maximum bandwidth of the Workstation Core i7 4960X progress against its predecessor (12.8 GB / s per channel to 14.9 GB / s), course to use with a memory compatible with these operating frequency requirement. Naturally, it is possible to go much higher depending on the memory that you have and the settings provided by the BIOS of your motherboard.

As regards operating frequency, the Workstation Core i7 4960X is advertised at 3.6 GHz, 100 MHz more than the frequency of the Workstation Core i7 3970X. Its Turbo can reach 4 GHz, as the Workstation Core i7 3970X, always depending on the load and the number of cores actually used. Turbo we could verify the operation with certainty.

Different BIOS provided by Asus for our tests, despite different settings, give hazardous results: sometimes 4 GHz on all cores when six cores working together, sometimes 3.7 GHz for a single active core. Difficult to draw any conclusions on the Turbo (Asus BIOS bug, cheat concealed these same BIOS or behavior change?) especially not communicating Intel documentation in its description that additional bins can be obtained depending on the load.

Should be noted that When Intel announces a TDP of 150 Watts for the Workstation Core i7 3970X, it falls to 130 Watts for the new Workstation Core i7 4960X. Overclocking enthusiasts will enjoy a few novelties. If the multiplier was already released up on the Sandy Bridge Extreme, he is also on the Ivy Bridge Extreme with a maximum ratio from 57 to 63. Intel has also allowed the real-time change certain settings directly affect the overclocking as the thermal envelope limits or control voltage. The base frequency, or base clock, can always be adjusted in increments of 1 MHz or through multiplier ratios.

The Workstation Core i7 4960X seen by CPU-Z

To test the performance of the new Ivy Bridge Extreme, we used the following platform:

• Motherboard Asus Rampage IV Extreme (BIOS 4501)
• 4x 4GB DDR3-2133 Corsair @ 1600MHz,
• Corsair SSD 240GB Neutron GTX + Intel 520 Series 240 GB
• Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 7970

Operating under Windows 8 64-bit, this platform Socket LGA-2011 allows us to test the new Workstation Core i7 4960X, but also the Workstation Core i7 3960X and

Workstation Core i7 3970X. We had to compare recent Haswell processors and Workstation Core i7 4770K using this platform:

• Motherboard Asus Z87-Deluxe (BIOS 1007),
• 2x 4GB DDR3-2133 Corsair @ 1600MHz,
• Corsair SSD 240GB Neutron GTX + Intel 520 Series 240 GB
• Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 7970.

Without forgetting a turn towards Ivy Bridge and Socket LGA-1155 with the hereafter detailed configuration.

• Motherboard Asus P8Z77V-Deluxe (BIOS 1908)
• 2x 4GB DDR3-2133 Corsair @ 1600MHz,
• Corsair SSD 240GB Neutron GTX + Intel 520 Series 240 GB
• Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 7970

Here we test the Core i7 3770K. Finally AMD side we use the following configuration:

• Asus Crosshair V Motherboard Formula
• 2x 4GB DDR3-2133 Corsair @ 1600MHz,
• Corsair SSD 240GB Neutron GTX + Intel 520 Series 240 GB
• Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 7970

It allows us to test the FX-8350, AMD did not wish to press the sample with FX-9590 and 5 GHz.

3DMark Vantage - CPU Test

We start with 3DMark Vantage. The Workstation Core i7 4960X is the top, pretty much. Facing the Workstation Core i7 3960X it replaces, the performance gain is around 17%.

Therefore a gap that is reduced to 12% against the Workstation Core i7 3970X clocked it is true slightly short 3.5 GHz base frequency 3.6GHz against for Workstation Core i7 4960X.

PCMark 7 - Suite

 

PCMark 7 with little surprise as we encounter in mind the Workstation Core i7 4770K, representative of the Haswell generation. The Workstation Core i7 4960X before us today is only second while the performance gain against its predecessors socket LGA-2011 is more modest: 5% against the Workstation Core i7 3960X and 3% against the Workstation Core i7 3970X.

Sandra 2013 - Test Processor

The test processor Sandra largely benefits the Workstation Core i7 4960X taking off here. The gains against the Workstation Core i7 3970X and Workstation Core i7 3960X are large and the Haswell generation, provided with only 4 hearts physical implementation can fight. The FX-8350 AMD farm walking.

Sandra 2013 - Memory test

The side of memory performance, Sandra gives preference to the Workstation Core i7 4960X and more generally to processors in Socket LGA-2011. Normal, they benefit from a quad-channel architecture when a Haswell processor or FX-8350 had to settle for two channels to communicate with the RAM.

ScienceMark 2.0 x64 - primordia

ScienceMark for the Workstation Core i7 4960X leads the way, but the Workstation Core i7 4770K is encrusted in second position while the performance gain for the youngest Intel is 4% against the Workstation Core i7 3970X memory that operates at a frequency-base-100 MHz lower.

PCMark Vantage - x64

Little or no difference between the PCMark Vantage Workstation Core i7 4770K generation Haswell and Workstation Core i7 4960X-generation Ivy Bridge Extreme. It is almost insulting to the additional cores of the latter. Facing the Workstation Core i7 3960X it supplants, the Workstation Core i7 4960X  is revealed here almost 5% faster. A gap that becomes indecent face the FX-8350 AMD: 57% ... in favor of Intel.

Cinebench 11.5

For good old Cinebench, evaluates our processors according to their velocity render a 3D scene, Workstation Core i7 4960X is far ahead. It is better than its predecessors and significantly ahead of the last small micro-architecture Haswell. Logically, the number of cores is greater as the amount of cache.

Compressing files - WinRAR 4.20

The compression test files in WinRAR see its results in seconds. The shortest bar represents the fastest processor. Here we measure the time required to create an archive of a SSD ... to another. The Workstation Core i7 4960X is the fastest here on par with the Workstation Core i7 3970X memory that operates at a lower base frequency of 100 MHz while the Turbo is deemed identical to 4 GHz. Sensitive gain face we note the general public processors, while the Workstation Core i7 4960X is almost twice faster than the FX-8350 AMD to generate our archive reference.

3Ds Max 2011 - 1920x1080 - SSE - Radiosity

In 3ds Max 2011 we do render a 3D scene and the result is expressed in seconds. The shortest bar represents the system faster. This is the Workstation Core i7 4770K generation Haswell prevails, a hair in front of the Workstation Core i7 4960X. The latter is significantly faster than its predecessors, with a gain of nearly ten seconds against the Workstation Core i7 3960X for the same record.

Adobe Photoshop CS6 - Radial Blur

Photoshop CS6, we measure the time required for the application of a radial blur filter on a high definition picture. The result is expressed in seconds, reading of the graph is reversed, the shorter bar is one of the fastest processor. And this is the Workstation Core i7 4960X which outstrips its predecessors Socket LGA-2011 quite clearly. the Workstation Core i7 4770K is somewhat behind, but is still better than the FX-8350 AMD.

Video compression - MediaCoder

MediaCoder test consists in encoding a video file from one SSD to another. We measure the time required for the proper execution of the operation and the results are expressed in seconds: the fastest processor is the one with the shortest bar. We find the top and by far the Workstation Core i7 4960X, it by saving more than a minute on the overall encoding time deal with representatives of the architecture Sandy Bridge Extreme, Workstation Core i7 3970X and Workstation Core i7 3960X by gender. Facing the FX-8350, encoding is done with the Workstation Core i7 4960X six minutes less. Anyway.

Mathematica 5.2

Mathematica, a software well known to students and other engineers, is the Workstation Core i7 4770K takes the lead. The Workstation Core i7 4960X comes second with a short advantage over its predecessors. Facing the Workstation Core i7 3960X, Workstation Core i7 4960X is 6% faster here.

Bioshock Infinite   1920x1080

The latest installment of Bioshock seems somewhat limited by our graphics card. The Workstation Core i7 4770K is the first generation Haswell while the Workstation Core i7 4960X comes second. Gain face other processors Sandy Bridge Extreme here is almost nil while facing the Workstation FX-8350 AMD we earn 7% performance.

Dirt Showdown  High  1920x1080

The racing game Dirt place for its part the Workstation Core i7 4960X in pole position with performances 7% higher than Workstation Core i7 3960X. Faced with Workstation Core i7 4770K generation Haswell, the gain is 12%. A gap that explodes 50% against the Workstation FX-8350 AMD.

Hitman Absolution - 1920x1080

The agent 47 also gives him her favors to the Workstation Core i7 4960X found in a number. Facing the Workstation Core i7 3960X is not far from gaining 8% performance, what remains appreciable. Faced with Workstation Core i7 4770K, it is still the fastest time of the 18% gain in performance offered by Ivy Bridge Extreme and its representative, The Workstation Core i7 4960X.

Metro 2033   1920x1080

We finish with Metro 2033 which remains largely limited by our graphics card. This prevents the Workstation Core i7 4960X to finish first, but the differences are too small to be discussed. Except perhaps with the Workstation FX-8350 lying around the leg.

Overclocking

The side of overclocking, and while the 22nm engraving augur good things, our trials have been disappointing to say the least. If reach 4 GHz watercooling posed no particular concern, reach 4.4 GHz was a pretty epic battle. Obviously, the processor does not like that we passed the 105 MHz base clock. Do not worry, we played the multiplier while increasing the supply voltages. A tactic that has allowed us to obtain a stable system at 4.4 GHz, but not beyond. Alas.

 

Different tests the overclocking: 4 GHz and 4.3 GHz, and finally , 4.4 GHz.

By insisting somewhat, we still managed to climb frequency stably. And rather than playing with the base clock that does not seem too malleable, we increased the multiplier to reach 4.6 GHz in particular.

With much difficulty, overclocking to 4.6 GHz with Corsair H80 Watercooling.

Power Consumption Of  Workstation Core i7 4960X

 
Logically We have measured the power consumption of our processors. For this, we use a power meter and we note the power consumption of the system for decision. So the total power consumption of the machine is raised. We perform two steps: resting under Windows 8, then load with Prime 95.


At rest, unsurprisingly, the Haswell generation wonders. The system with a Workstation Core i7 4770K consuming only 58 Watts when our machine, Ivy Bridge Extreme requires not far from 102 Watts. This will remains all the same slightly below the consumption at rest of the Sandy Bridge Extreme. in charge. the system Workstation Core i7 4960X will still not eat away 300 Watts, but it is unless the 316 Watts Workstation Core i7 3970X memory operating at a frequency of 100 MHz lower, for the base frequency when the Turbo is identical to 4 GHz. So we a noticeable improvement. Alas it does not allow the Workstation Core i7 4960X consume less in charge than the Workstation Core i7 3960X, less swift (3.3 GHz and 3.9 GHz Turbo) Yet it replaces directly.

Intel takes advantage the return to renew its high-end features for processors. And if we could only test the Workstation Core i7 4960X, the depth should also offer slightly more affordable variants with the Workstation Core i7 4930K and Workstation Core i7 4820K, the latter being limited to four physical cores.

Passing architecture Sandy Bridge architecture Ivy Bridge, even in their variant Extreme, the Workstation Core i7 4960X does not really impress, Performance gains are certainly real, but not sufficient to excite audiences. It must be said , and it is actually quite logical, we find here that we observed in the consumer processors during passage of the architecture Sandy Bridge to architecture Ivy Bridge.Intel does not really grows elsewhere frequencies up (3.6 GHz core 4 GHz Turbo for the 4960X) and finally the side of the power consumption we will turn to observe improvement over the previous generation. We thank here the 22nm engraving, even if one is astonished to see in charge of a less greedy as the youngest Workstation Core i7 3960X. Parameters that the rest do not really seem to help the side of overclocking in the current conditions, since we have not exceeded 4.4 GHz.


Our Opinion

We would have liked to rest against the Workstation Core i7 4960X or Workstation FX-9590, time sold at the same price, but that AMD did not want to play the game arguing that the processor is not sold alone, but only in complete setups ...We has experienced the Sunnyvale firm fairest.

We see with the Intel Core i7 4960X control about except that the platform accompanying the Workstation Core i7 4960X is nothing sexy. The X79 chipset variant of a server chipset, does not dream crowds (think in 2013 this chipset does not include native USB 3.0 controller) while there has quite a few choices when their motherboard X79 card price is breathtaking. Already we can seriously question the relevance of a processor $ 1,000, when the Workstation Core i7 4770K generation Haswell sometimes both third of the price, put $ 400 in a motherboard, as complete as it asks us question. In fact at this price you would like to see models with the Intel ThunderBolt technology for example ...

Finally it is a question that we will address at Intel. The output of Ivy Bridge Extreme, here embodied by the Workstation Core i7 4960X, allows the offers high-end depth of not having two generations of architecture behind the public processors ... That's fine, but these processors are always one step behind ... why?